From 'Extra Dirt" . . . .

Save the Tropicals!

It's time to face the facts: The party's over for outdoor tropicals. Of course, you could always move the party indoors. Begonias, geraniums, hibiscus, calla lilies and more won't survive the inevitable cold that's around the corner. But if you bring them indoors for the winter, you can save them and even put them back outdoors when the weather warms next spring. Different plants require different treatments, so make sure you know what kind of indoor care to give your tropicals. Gardener's Supply offers easy-to-follow tips for overwintering plants in a sunny window or under lights, taking and rooting cuttings, and allowing plants to go dormant in a basement or other cool spot. Surviving the transition from outdoors to indoors is no easy feat for plants, so don't get discouraged if you lose a few. However, once you've tried these techniques, you'll find what works best and discover how fun it is (and economical) to save plants from season to season. Save the plants—and save some money! Published on-line 10/08/13